NBA: The pros and cons to such a shortened offseason

71 Days: Enough for the NBA offseason turnaround or pending disaster?

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 27: The Black Lives Matter logo is seen on an empty court as all NBA playoff games were postponed today during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 27, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NBA players have reportedly decided to resume the season after their walkout of playoff games on Wednesday to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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NBA Virtual fans (Photo by Kim Klement – Pool/Getty Images) /

Pro No. 1: Action for Fans (kinda)

Let’s get this one out of the way. This is not a real pro in the grand scheme of things, because fans are far down the totem pole compared to player health, happiness, and league profitability. But the quick turnaround is a massive pro for fans! We just went from daily NBA games in the bubble (remember when they first started and everyone was happy for a week?) into a shortened offseason that has already produced blockbuster trades (big shoutout to the Suns and Bucks!) followed by games right before Christmas.

We’re being spoiled. But I have not covered the ‘kinda’ yet. As of right now, only 5-10 teams are expected to hold fans in the upcoming season, and even those will be at a low capacity. The Warriors have submitted a cohesive plan (that looks decent!) to try and get the NBA to allow 50 percent capacity. Frankly, I don’t think the arenas should have fans period.

The pandemic has only gotten worse. While the NFL has not had many outbreaks linked to fan attendance, several teams have begun scaling back fan attendance in response to the pandemic worsening. So most fans will not be able to attend games this season and those that do will have an experience that pales to those of previous years.

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